Rubella Virus

Rubella is a widespread viral infection distinguished by a characteristic red rash. German measles is another name for three-day measles. Most people will experience minor or no symptoms from this virus. It can, however, pose major complications for newborn babies if their mothers become infected during pregnancy.

Although rubella virus and measles are different diseases, they do have certain similarities in their signs and symptoms, such as the red rash. Rubella is not as contagious or harmful as measles and is brought on by a separate virus.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine prevents rubella in a safe and effective manner. The immunisation offers lifetime immunity to rubella.

Rubella virus is uncommon or nonexistent in many nations. For newborns whose moms contract the virus while pregnant, the virus still poses substantial risks because the vaccine isn’t universally utilised.

Symptoms of Rubella Virus

Rubella symptoms and indicators can be challenging to spot, especially in young children. Generally speaking, signs and symptoms start to show two to three weeks following virus introduction. They typically last between one and five days and can include:

• Mild fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or lower
• Headache
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Red, itchy eyes
• Big, sore lymph nodes in the back of the neck, behind the ears, and at the base of the skull
• A little, pink rash that appears on the face, moves fast to the trunk, then the arms and legs, and finally vanishes in the same manner.
• Joints that hurt, particularly in young women.

Causes of Rubella Virus

A virus that spreads from one person to another is what causes rubella. When an infected individual coughs or sneezes, it may spread. Additionally, it can be transferred by direct contact with contaminated nasal and throat mucus. Additionally, it can travel through the bloodstream from pregnant mothers to their unborn offspring.

A person who has been exposed to the rubella virus is infectious for about a week before the rash emerges and for another week after the rash has subsided. Before becoming aware of their infection, an infected person can transmit the disease.

As a result of widespread childhood vaccination programmes against the infection, rubella virus is uncommon in many nations. The virus is still active in several regions of the world. Before travelling abroad, you should think about this, especially if you’re expecting.

After contracting the illness, you are often always immune.

Complications of Rubella Virus

The rubella virus is not severe. Rubella can cause arthritis in the fingers, wrists, and knees in certain women, which typically lasts for about a month. Rarely, rubella may result in an ear infection or brain inflammation.

However, if you contract rubella while pregnant, it could have a serious and occasionally deadly impact on your unborn child. Congenital rubella syndrome affects up to 90% of children born to moms who contracted rubella during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This syndrome may result in one or more issues, such as:

• Growth delays
• Cataracts
• Deafness
• Issues with the heart’s development (congenital heart defects)
• Difficulties with the growth of other organs
• Learning and mental development issues
• The first trimester of pregnancy is when the foetus is most at risk, but exposure later in pregnancy is also harmful.